On Tuesday, March 1, the Commissioners recognized Charles County residents for achieving the Good Sports Award from the Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks' Sports Alliance (MARPSA). The award is awarded to those who make a contribution to sports programs and the community. For more information about MARPSA, visit www.marpsa.org/good-sports.

Commission for Women to Hold Gala Event and Awards Ceremony on April 23

The Charles County Commission for Women (CCCW) is proud to present its 20th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony event on Saturday, April 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center (3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf). The event will celebrate and commemorate the CCCW's 20-year history advocating awareness of issues affecting women and their families. CCCW will highlight recent achievements and honor women who have made significant trailblazing contributions to Charles County. These trailblazers are women who opened doors for other women where access to opportunities were once limited.

The event will feature keynote speaker, Prince George's County State's Attorney, Angela Alsobrooks. She is the first woman and youngest person to be elected as the Prince George's County state's attorney.

Individual tickets are $55 per person and reserved tables with up to 10 guests are $475 each. Forms and payment options are available online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW/Gala. Sponsorships opportunities are available and donations are accepted.

If you know of an outstanding Charles County woman that deserves recognition, consider nominating them for a Trailblazer Award. Nominations for the Trailblazer Awards will be accepted until Tuesday, March 1. Nomination information, including an online form, is available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW/Gala. Awards are presented in various categories: government/politics, law enforcement, education, health/medical, human/social services, entrepreneurship, science and technology, armed forces, and young trailblazer.

The CCCW is a non-political, non-partisan group of women leaders in our community. From diverse backgrounds, these community leaders bring their differing worldviews and a variety of social, economic, political, and religious beliefs together to focus on family issues and women's concerns. All members reside in Charles County and are appointed by the Charles County Commissioners.

For more information about the Gala, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW/Gala or email CCCW@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Residents Encouraged to Participate in County Cleanup Effort

The Charles County Beautification Committee, Department of Public Works, and the Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) encourage residents to make a difference in Charles County by organizing or participating in a community cleanup, recognizing April as Charles County Beautification Month. Gather your friends, families, co-workers, and neighbors together to clean, repair, and improve public spaces that have been neglected, vandalized, or misused. Starting in April, the Department of Public Works will supply trash disposal, bags, litter grabbers, gloves, safety vests, and mulch to eligible cleanups. Eligible cleanups include public spaces, such as parks, shorelines, schoolyards, sidewalks, and playgrounds.

Visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/LitterBug to request supplies. Applications for supplies should be submitted by Friday, April 1, for best consideration. Supplies are limited. This is an opportunity for students and scouts to earn community service hours.

"The beauty of our county depends on the involvement of residents, schools, nonprofits, and businesses. Keeping our county vibrant and beautiful takes an entire community working together," said President Peter F. Murphy. "I encourage you to participate in cleanup efforts this April to keep our county safe and clean."

"We are glad to be part of the Charles County Beautification Month efforts," said Sheriff Troy Berry. "The CCSO takes pride in our county, and we encourage citizens to take pride in their communities as well. By participating in neighborhood clean-ups, we are setting a great example for our youth and, together, keeping Charles County beautiful."

Litter causes a wide range of economic and environmental issues that impact individuals living and working in Charles County. Crime is less likely to occur when a neighborhood is clean, well-lit, and used frequently by residents. By reclaiming an abandoned park or playground, eliminating tall weeds and debris, or sprucing up sidewalks, areas will be less attractive to criminals and more attractive to the community.

Cleanup participants are encouraged to document their group's efforts. Submit before and after photos to PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov by Friday, Aug. 26, for the chance to be posted on the Charles County Government Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information about community cleanups, call the Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/LitterBug. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Governor Visits Charles County, Tours Port Tobacco Village

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28, Governor Larry Hogan and the First Lady Yumi Hogan visited Charles County for the governor's Southern Maryland tour. During the governor's visit to Charles County, he visited the Gilbert Swamp Run Bridge off of MD Route 234; St. Ignatius Church; Port Tobacco Village; LifeStyles of Maryland Foundation, Inc.; the Naval Surface Warfare Center; the Town of Indian Head; and Farming 4 Hunger, Inc.

Trailblazer Award Nomination Deadline Extended to March 15

The Charles County Commission for Women (CCCW) Trailblazer Award nomination deadline has been extended to Tuesday, March 15. The Trailblazer Awards recognize Charles County women who paved the way for other women in their field. As part of the CCCW's 20th Anniversary celebration, trailblazers will be recognized in various fields of interest, including government/politics, law enforcement, education, health/medical, human/social services, entrepreneurship, science and technology, armed forces, and young trailblazer. Nomination information, including an online form, is available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW/Gala.

Winners will be announced at the CCCW's 20th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony event on Saturday, April 23 at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Hall (3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf, Maryland 20601). Tickets, sponsorships, and program advertising opportunities are also available online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW/Gala.

The CCCW is a non-political, non-partisan group of women leaders in our community. From diverse backgrounds, these community leaders bring their differing worldviews and a variety of social, economic, political, and religious beliefs together to focus on family issues and women's concerns. All members reside in Charles County and are appointed by the Charles County Commissioners.

For more information, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW or email CCCW@CharlesCountyMD.gov.